New superintendent hired after long search

Donald MacFann is the current superintendent at Bethlehem-Center.

After months of searching, McKeesport Area has hired Donald MacFann as the district’s superintendent.

In a unanimous vote Thursday, the school board approved MacFann to take over at the helm of the district for a five-year term.

The hiring marks the end of a months-long search by the district with the help of Albert Educational Consulting.

In August, Dr. Tia Wanzo decided to resign as superintendent after an internal investigation alleged she had failed to report child sexual abuse. Dr. William Pettigrew was hired in September as acting superintendent to help out the district until it found a replacement for Wanzo.

MacFann, who’s in his 30th year as an educator, has spent time as an administrator in other Mon Valley education institutions, such as Clairton and East Allegheny school districts. He currently serves as the superintendent of Bethlehem-Center School District.

“I’ve had a lot of experience in the mid Mon Valley,” Mac-Fann said.

After the meeting, Solicitor Gary Matta referred to Mac-Fann as a “Mon Valley guy.”

“And that’s what we need: one our own helping to lead the charge here,” the attorney said.

MacFann hopes to take the reins in McKeesport within 20 days, but he’s contractually obligated to start within 60 days.

No salary information was available for MacFann, as he said “that’s a discussion that I’ll have with the board in finalizing a contract.”

After the board approved his hiring, MacFann received a standing ovation from school directors and residents in the audience.

“I am honored to be considered; I’m even more honored, if not taken aback, to be hired here,” MacFann said. “I more than anybody know there’s a lot of pride and a lot of tradition to the McKeesport school district. And I mean it from my heart, I can’t wait to become part of that, I really can’t.”

After the meeting, MacFann told reporters that he “felt the warmth within this room.”

Upon his start at the district, MacFann plans to meet with the board and community to better understand the challenges and priorities.

“I am just happy to be here,” MacFann said. “I am thrilled to be part of the pride, the traditions that accompany the McKeesport Area School District.”

The board also appointed Matthew Mols, who was assistant to the superintendent, to a five-year term as assistant superintendent.

Board President Mark Holtzman thanked Mols for the work he’s done since rejoining the district last year.

“He’s worked hard. He worked almost around the clock,” Holtzman said. “I don’t know if he knew what he was getting into, but he does a fabulous job, and I’m more than pleased and proud to have him here as our assistant superintendent.”